Messages from the Missions

Messages from the Missions

People More Susceptible to the Truth Conference President Don T. Udall writing from Portland, Maine, February 8, says: "This is a picture of the elders laboring in Portland, Maine: top row: D. D. Parkinson, Rexburg, Ida.; Don. T. Udall, St. Johns, Ariz.; center: Oliver Haroldson, Idaho Falls ; front Glen :

Evans, Safford, Arizona. The Maine conference includes the states and New Hamp. of Maine, shire. Those two states in the past, have been considered the most impregnable,when it comes to teaching the plan of life and sal- vation, ofall the states in our Country. In recent times, how- ever, we have been privileged to enjoy the right of entering church- es located in the heart of Portland, and expounding the simple princi- ples and teachings of the Savior to the congregations. The people, as a rule, are becoming more broad- minded and susceptible to truth. The prospects of obtaining workers in this wonderful and important movement of the Latter-days are bright. We feel sure that the Lord is answering the prayers and efforts of the Latter- day Saints in preparing the hearts and minds of the people to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Era reaches us regularly, and its contents impart encouragement and knowledge to us missionaries. It has proved

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a notable factor in many cases in our conference in causing persons to think deeply on the subject of religion, leading them finally to accept the gospel. We ask that our heavenly Father may aid you in your great work." Villages Calling for Missionaries

Ray G. Wood, conference presi- dent of the Upolu branch, Samoa, sends a group picture of the elders of the Samoan mission, who were present at the Upolu conference, last October. Left to right, stand- ing, H. O. Anderson, Leland Twitchell, J. L. Johnson; Vernon G. Woolley, Conference president .of Tutulia; kneeling, W. A. Keith, mission president; in front, Ray G. Wood, Conference president of Upolu; C. M. Ferrin, conference president of Savaii. "Our number is only half what it was one year ago, the work therefore is being put more and more upon the shoulders of the native brethren; even with their help, our numbers are far from being sufficient to supply the demand made upon us by the work. There are now four villages that want missionaries to establish branches, but as yet we have been unable to supply them. We feel that a big harvest of souls is im- minent. We are indeed grateful to the Era for the help and consolation we receive in the days of trial and distress, from reading its inspiring arti- cles and stories." Working for the Local Red Cross President John L .Herrick forwards the accompanying picture of elders laboring at Sheridan, Wyoming; left to right: Paul Wynn, J. Edwin Nelson. Bryan Bean. "Elder J, Edwin Nelson has had an opportunity for rather an unusual experience dur- ing the recent influenza epidemic. Shortly after the disease became prev- alent, when conditions became speciallyurgent for help, he volunteered his services to the local Red Cross, and for a time was engaged in investi- gating the various homes and localities, and a little later was asked to take charge of the office work, being thus engaged for nearly two months. His work has been highly commended by prominent citizens and Red Cross officials."

456 IMPROVEMENT ERA

Appreciate the Era

President A. B. Smith of the East Washington conference of the North- western States mission writes, September 12: "The elders of this confer- ence wish to express their appreciation for the Era sent us free of charge. We believe it is the best magazine published. Its message is elevating; its

stories are clean, wholesome and faith-promoting, this being in very deed an improvement era, its mission is much needed to develop improvement in all directions. The elders laboring in this mission are, left to right, standing: T. J. Kirk, Franklin Robinson, Wm. A. Behling, L. D. Perry, R. L. Walker; sitting: H. W. Green, A. B. Smith, conference president; W. H. Stringham."

Hungering for the Gospel

C. E. Schank and E. R. Hanks writing from Evansville, Indiana, June 29 "The Era is always welcomed by us missionaries. We are enjoying our labors more and more each day. Elder Hanks plays the violin, Elder Schank the clarinet, and with our music on the street corners as well as in the homes, we are making many friends and opening up many new homes in which we may find opportunity to present the gospel message. We have been following the Book of Mormon Campaign work, placing the books before the people and explaining the various teachings of that precious volume. We have been very successful and consider the Book of Mormon the best tract for a friend-maker. Prejudice is decreasing while the spirit of investigation is taking its place. The people here appear to be hungering for the gospel and a number are accepting. We feel well in the work, for the Lord is pouring out his richest blessings on us, and our testimonies to the truthfulness of the gospel and its restoration to the Prophet Joseph Smith is stronger every day."